Compact, Light Weight, Battery Operated, Self-Priming, Positive Displacement Pump

ABSTRACT

Compact, lightweight, battery operated, self-priming, positive displacement pump for storing in a toolbox or tool belt includes an elongated housing having a longitudinal axis, and an inline configuration including a positive displacement pump assembly to respond to a motor assembly drive torque, self-prime, and pump fluid from an input port to an output port, a motor assembly to respond to signaling and provide the motor assembly drive torque, a pump control interconnect assembly to provide the signaling to control the operation of the motor assembly by current based on run dry mode or over current, by time based on a timer set to run for an amount of time, or voltage based on over/under voltage; and a rechargeable battery housing/assembly to respond to recharging signaling and with a rechargeable DC power supply and power control module for providing some combination of inrush, overcharging, over-discharging, short circuit, over current protection.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims benefit to provisional patent application Ser.No. 61/647,694, filed 16 May 2012, which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a pump; and more particularly, relates to acompact, lightweight, battery operated, self-priming, positivedisplacement pump.

2. Description of Related Art

The pumping devices that are known in the art are larger units withheavy batteries.

Some shortcomings of the prior art pumping devices include: The usualuse of the battery operated pumps is for air mattresses and moving air.There are few known devices that may be used for fluid transfer, andthat are usually submersible and require their batteries to be changed.These known units for fluid transfer are typically vane or centrifugalpumps and cannot generate much discharge pressure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to some embodiments, the present invention may take the formof apparatus including a compact, lightweight, battery operated,self-priming, positive displacement pump that has a combination of

an elongated housing having a longitudinal axis L_(axis);

a positive displacement pump assembly, including a diaphragm pump,configured in the elongated housing, and configured to respond to amotor assembly drive torque, to self-prime, and to pump fluid from aninput port to an output port;

a motor assembly configured in the elongated housing and configured torespond to signaling and provide the motor assembly drive torque;

a pump control interconnect assembly configured in the elongatedhousing, and configured to provide the signaling to control theoperation of the motor assembly by current based on run dry mode or overcurrent, by time based on a timer set to run for a given amount of time,by voltage based on over/under voltage, or some combination thereof; and

a rechargeable battery housing/assembly configured to respond torecharging signaling and configured with a rechargeable DC power supplyand power control module for providing inrush, overcharging,over-discharging, short circuit, over current protection, or somecombination thereof.

The positive displacement pump assembly, the motor assembly, the pumpcontrol interconnect assembly and the rechargeable batteryhousing/assembly all configured in-line with (or along) the longitudinalaxis of the elongated housing so that the compact, lightweight, batteryoperated, self-priming, positive displacement pump is configured anddimensioned to be easily and conveniently stored in a toolbox or a pouchof a tool belt.

According to some embodiments, the present invention may include one ormore of the following features:

The apparatus may further include a charging base configured to receivean end of the compact, lightweight, battery operated, self-priming,positive displacement pump and to provide the recharging signaling tothe rechargeable battery.

The housing may be configured with two pieces that seal together to format least an IPX4 water resistant rating.

The pump control interconnect assembly may be configured to provide andimplement the inrush, overcharging, over-discharging, short circuit andover protection current.

The apparatus comprises a retention clip configured to allow thecompact, lightweight, battery operated, self-priming, positivedisplacement pump to be held on a belt or a toolbox.

The motor assembly may be configured with a power switch assembly toturn the motor assembly on and off.

The power control functionality may include voltage cutoff and switchingfunctionality.

The input port and the output port may include a quick connect inputport and a quick connect output port to allow the compact, lightweight,battery operated, self-priming, positive displacement pump to havemultiport port configurations.

The quick connect input and output ports may be configured along an axissubstantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the elongatedhousing.

The positive displacement pump assembly may be, or take the form of, adiaphragm pump assembly.

The term “in-line” is under at least to mean “having the parts, items orcomponents substantially arranged in a straight line along thelongitudinal axis L_(axis).”

The term “lightweight” is understood at least to mean “one of less thanaverage weight,” especially when compared to other similar positivedisplacement pumps in its class, e.g., pumps having substantially thesame pumping power, including when measured in gallons per minute (GPM).

The term “compact” is understood at least to mean “having a densestructure, parts, items, or units closely packed or joined,” especiallywhen compared to other similar positive displacement pumps in its class,e.g., pumps having substantially the same pumping power, including whenmeasured in gallons per minute (GPM).

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of embodiments of theinvention will become apparent with reference to the followingdescription in conjunction with the accompanying drawing. It is to beunderstood, however, that the drawing is designed solely for thepurposes of illustration and not as a definition of the limits of theinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The drawing, which is not necessarily to scale, include the followingFigures:

FIG. 1 shows a top perspective view of a positive displacement pumpshown without a top cover, according to some embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 a shows a top perspective view of a charging base for thepositive displacement pump shown in FIG. 1, according to someembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 b shows an exploded view of the charging base shown in FIG. 2 a,according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 a shows a bottom perspective view of an arrangement that includesa diaphragm pump assembly, a pump control printed circuit board assembly(PCBA) and a rechargeable battery housing/assembly for a positivedisplacement pump shown in FIG. 1, according to some embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 3 b shows a top perspective view of the arrangement shown in FIG. 3a, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 a shows a bottom frontal perspective view of a positivedisplacement pump without a bottom cover, according to some embodimentsof the present invention.

FIG. 4 b shows a bottom backwards perspective view of a positivedisplacement pump without a bottom cover, according to some embodimentsof the present invention.

FIG. 5 a shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a positivedisplacement pump, along a top-to-bottom plane orthogonal to thelongitudinal axis, according to some embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 5 b shows a longitudinal side-to-side cross-sectional view of apositive displacement pump, along a side-to-side plane orthogonal to thelongitudinal axis, according to some embodiments of the presentinvention.

In the following description of the exemplary embodiment, reference ismade to the accompanying drawing, which form a part hereof, and in whichis shown by way of illustration of an embodiment in which the inventionmay be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may beutilized, as structural and operational changes may be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Details of the Present Invention

As shown in FIGS. 1-5 b, the present invention is a positivedisplacement pump that utilizes a rechargeable battery pack and isself-priming, and able to generate pressure.

The pump includes the following items/elements that are labeled in theFigures below:

Item #1: Rechargeable battery housing/assembly configured with a powersupply and a power control module for inrush, overcharging,over-discharging, short circuit and over current protection.Rechargeable batteries configured with a power supply are known in theart, and the present invention is not intended to be limited to anyparticular type or kind thereof either now known or later developed inthe future. Techniques for inrush, overcharging, over-discharging, shortcircuit and over current protection are known in the art, and thepresent invention is not intended to be limited to any particular typeor kind thereof either now known or later developed in the future.Moreover, a person skilled in the art without undue experimentationwould be able to implement such a power control module for inrush,overcharging, over-discharging, short circuit and over currentprotection, based at least partly on, and consistent with, thatdisclosed herein.

Item #2: Pump control printed circuit board (PCPCB), configured with aninterconnect assembly (with a microprocessor) that controls voltagecut-off and switching. The PCPCB 2 could also be used to control thepumping unit by current (run dry mode or over current), time (timer setto run XX secs/minutes), voltage (over voltage/under voltage) and othertypes or kinds control functions either now known or later developed inthe future. Techniques for controlling voltage cut-off and switching areknown in the art, and the present invention is not intended to belimited to any particular type or kind thereof either now known or laterdeveloped in the future. Moreover, a person skilled in the art withoutundue experimentation would be able to implement such a PCPCB configuredwith such an interconnect assembly (with a microprocessor), based atleast partly on, and consistent with, that disclosed herein. Techniquesfor controlling the pumping unit by current (run dry mode or overcurrent), time (timer set to run XX secs/minutes), voltage (overvoltage/under voltage) and other types or kinds control functions areknown in the art, and the present invention is not intended to belimited to any particular type or kind thereof either now known or laterdeveloped in the future. Moreover, a person skilled in the art withoutundue experimentation would be able to implement such a PCPCB forcontrolling the pumping unit by current (run dry mode or over current),time (timer set to run XX secs/minutes), voltage (over voltage/undervoltage) and other types or kinds control functions are known in theart, based at least partly on, and consistent with, that disclosedherein.

Item #3: Power switch assembly configured as an On/Off switch to turnthe positive displacement switch on/off. Power switch assemblies likeelement 2 are known in the art, and the present invention is notintended to be limited to any particular type or kind thereof either nowknown or later developed in the future.

Item #4: Diaphragm pump assembly, e.g., including a diaphragm pump thatconsists of, or is configured with, a pump head labeled A, a pressureswitch labeled B and a motor assembly labeled C. Diaphragm pumpassemblies like element 4 are known in the art, and the presentinvention is not intended to be limited to any particular type or kindthereof either now known or later developed in the future. Moreover, aperson skilled in the art without undue experimentation would be able toimplement such a diaphragm pump assembly like element 4, based at leastpartly on, and consistent with, that disclosed herein.

Item #5: Retention clip configured to allow the overall pumping unit orpositive displacement pump to be simply held on a belt or tool box, etc.

Items #6, #6′, #8 and #9: Plastic bottom/middle housing cover orportion, top/front housing cover or portion and battery cover orportion, e.g., configured with a four part constructions, including thetop housing cover or portion 8, a battery housing cover or portion 9,the bottom/middle housing cover or portion 6 and a top/middle housingcover or portion 6′ (see FIGS. 4 a and 4 b). Embodiment are envisioned,and the scope of the invention is intended to include, using other typesor kinds of housing configurations, e.g., including a two part housingconstruction having either a combination of a front half housing coveror portion and a back half housing cover or portion, or an alternativecombination of a top half housing cover or portion and a bottom halfhousing cover or portion.

Item #7, #7′: Quick connect ports on the pump allow for the pumping unitor positive displacement pump to have multiple port configurations,including an input port and an output port.

Item #10: Charging base configured to receive the positive displacementpump and recharge the rechargeable battery 1. By way of example, thecharging base may be configured as a two-part construction having a anupper charging based portion 10 a and a lower charging base portion 10b. Charging bases like element 10 for recharging rechargeable batteriesare known in the art, and the present invention is not intended to belimited to any particular type or kind thereof either now known or laterdeveloped in the future. Moreover, a person skilled in the art withoutundue experimentation would be able to implement such a charging baselike element 10, based at least partly on, and consistent with, thatdisclosed herein.

In FIG. 1, the positive displacement pump or pumping unit may beconfigured to be enclosed in a 4-part plastic housing configuration,elements 6, 6′, 8, 9 (FIGS. 4 a, 4 b) consisting of pieces that sealtogether to form a IPX4 water resistant rating, e.g., constrained byself-threading screws. This 4-part plastic housing configuration may beconfigured to enclose the battery 1; pump control PCBA 2; and thediaphragm pump assembly 4, which consists of the pressure switch 4A, thepump housing 4B and the motor assembly 4C, as shown. The pressure switch4C may be capped with the top/front housing 8. By way of example, thebattery housing/assembly 1 may be configured to be over-molded with adurable material. The battery housing/assembly 1 may be charged in thecharging base 10. The power from the battery 1 may be sent to the motorassembly 4C through the pump control PCBA 2, which received on/offsignals from the power switch 3, and then passes power to the motorassembly 4C. The pump control PCBA 2 may be configured to contain amicroprocessor or processor that can provide and implement the varietyof functions set forth above.

The compact, lightweight, rechargeable, battery operated, self-priming,positive displacement utility pump can be stored in a tool box, toolbelt, belt. The compact, lightweight, rechargeable, battery operated,self-priming, positive displacement utility pump can be used in smallconfined spaces or, due to the self-priming ability, can be locatedremotely from a work area and a hose placed in the fluid can be drawnfrom a source and pumped. The pump is a positive displacement pump thatcan pump fluid long distances and generate head pressure, allowing it tobe used as a sprayer to rinse areas.

FIGS. 1-5 b are also understood to include items, parts and/orcomponents that are not described in detail and not labeled since theydo not form part of the underlying invention, including screws andfasteners for coupling, e.g., the housing items, parts or components 6,6′, 8 and 9 together, or the pressure switch 4A and the pump housing 4Btogether; suitable wiring for providing signaling and power betweenitems, parts or components, e.g., the rechargeable battery 1, the pumpcontrol PCBA 2 and the motor assembly 4C; items, parts or components forrotational coupling the motor assembly 4C and diaphragm pump that formspart of the diaphragm pump assembly 4; etc.

The Basic Invention

By way of example, and according to some embodiments, the presentinvention may take the form of apparatus including a compact,lightweight, battery operated, self-priming, positive displacement pumpas shown in FIGS. 1-5 b that features the combination of the following:

the elongated housing 6, 6′, 8, 9 having the longitudinal axis L_(axis);

the positive displacement pump or pump assembly, including a diaphragmpump (see element 4B re the diaphragm pump contained in pump housing4B), configured in the elongated housing 6, 6′, 8, 9, and configured torespond to a motor assembly drive torque, to self-prime, and to pumpfluid from the input port to the output port;

the motor assembly 4C configured in the elongated housing 6, 6′, 8, 9and configured to respond to signaling and provide the motor assemblydrive torque;

the pump control interconnect assembly 2 configured in the elongatedhousing 6, 6′, 8, 9, and configured to provide the signaling to controlthe operation of the motor assembly 4C by current based on run dry modeor over current, by time based on a timer set to run for a given amountof time, by voltage based on over/under voltage, or some combinationthereof; and

the rechargeable battery housing/assembly 1 configured to respond torecharging signaling and configured with a rechargeable DC power supplyand power control module for providing the inrush, overcharging,over-discharging, short circuit, over current protection, or somecombination thereof.

The positive displacement pump assembly, the motor assembly, the pumpcontrol interconnect assembly and the rechargeable batteryhousing/assembly may all be configured in-line with (or along) thelongitudinal axis L_(axis) of the elongated housing 6, 6′, 8, 9 so thatthe compact, lightweight, battery operated, self-priming, positivedisplacement pump may be configured and dimensioned to be easily andconveniently stored in a toolbox or a pouch of a tool belt.

Implementation of the Functionality of the Pump Control PCBs 2 andAssociated Signal Processor

Printed circuit boards (PCBs) are known in the art, and the scope of theinvention is not intended to be limited to any particular type or kindthereof either now known or later developed in the future forimplementing the runtime functionality of the present invention.

By way of example, the functionality of the pump control PCB 2, theassociated signal processor, and any associated signal processing may beimplemented using hardware, software, firmware, or a combinationthereof, although the scope of the invention is not intended to belimited to any particular embodiment thereof. For example, in a typicalsoftware implementation, the signal processor may take the form of oneor more microprocessor-based architectures having a processor ormicroprocessor, a random and/or read only access memory (RAM/ROM), wherethe RAM/ROM together forming at least part of the memory, input/outputdevices and control, data and address buses connecting the same. Aperson skilled in the art would be able to program such amicroprocessor-based implementation with computer program code toperform the functionality described herein without undueexperimentation. The scope of the invention is not intended to belimited to any particular implementation using technology either nowknown or later developed in the future. Moreover, the scope of theinvention is intended to include the signal processor being a standalone module, or in some combination with other circuitry forimplementing another module. Moreover still, the scope of the inventionis not intended to be limited to any particular type or kind of signalprocessor used to perform the signal processing functionality, or themanner in which the computer program code is programmed or implementedin order to make the signal processor operate. A person skilled in theart without undue experimentation would appreciate and understand how todevelop or write a suitable software program or algorithm for running onsuch a pump control PCB so as to implement the functionality set forthherein.

The pump control PCB like element 2 and the associated signal processormay include one or more other sub-modules for implementing otherfunctionality that is known in the art, but does not form part of theunderlying invention per se, and is not described in detail herein.

Possible Applications

Fluid transfer, maintenance applications, any use that requires apositive displacement pump.

SCOPE OF THE INVENTION

Although described in the context of particular embodiments, it will beapparent to those skilled in the art that a number of modifications andvarious changes to these teachings may occur. Thus, while the inventionhas been particularly shown and described with respect to one or morepreferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled inthe art that certain modifications or changes, in form and shape, may bemade therein without departing from the scope and spirit of theinvention as set forth above.

We claim:
 1. Apparatus comprising: a compact, lightweight, batteryoperated, self-priming, positive displacement pump comprised of: anelongated housing having a longitudinal axis; a positive displacementpump assembly configured in the elongated housing, and configured torespond to a motor assembly drive torque, to self-prime, and to pumpfluid from an input port to an output port; a motor assembly configuredin the elongated housing and configured to respond to signaling andprovide the motor assembly drive torque; and a pump control interconnectassembly configured in the elongated housing, and configured to providethe signaling to control the operation of the motor assembly by currentbased on run dry mode or over current, by time based on a timer set torun for a given amount of time, by voltage based on over/under voltage,or some combination thereof; and a rechargeable battery housing/assemblyconfigured to respond to recharging signaling and configured with arechargeable DC power supply and power control module for providinginrush, overcharging, over-discharging, short circuit, over currentprotection, or some combination thereof; and the positive displacementpump assembly, the motor assembly, the pump control interconnectassembly and the rechargeable battery housing/assembly all beingconfigured in-line with the longitudinal axis of the elongated housingso that the compact, lightweight, battery operated, self-priming,positive displacement pump is configured and dimensioned to be stored ina toolbox or a pouch of a tool belt.
 2. Apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the apparatus further comprises: a charging base configured toreceive an end of the compact, lightweight, battery operated,self-priming, positive displacement pump and to provide the rechargingsignaling to the rechargeable battery.
 3. Apparatus according to claim1, wherein the housing is configured with two pieces that seal togetherto form at least an IPX4 water resistant rating.
 4. Apparatus accordingto claim 1, wherein the pump control interconnect assembly is configuredto provide and implement the inrush, overcharging, over-discharging,short circuit and over protection current.
 5. Apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises a retention clip configured toallow the compact, lightweight, battery operated, self-priming, positivedisplacement pump to be held on a belt or a toolbox.
 6. Apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the motor assembly is configured with apower switch assembly to turn the motor assembly on and off. 7.Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the power control functionalityincludes voltage cutoff and switching functionality.
 8. Apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the input port and the output portcomprise a quick connect input port and a quick connect output port toallow the compact, lightweight, battery operated, self-priming, positivedisplacement pump to have multiport port configurations.
 9. Apparatusaccording to claim 8, wherein the quick connect input and output portsare configured along an axis substantially transverse to thelongitudinal axis of the elongated housing.
 10. Apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the positive displacement pump assembly is a diaphragmpump assembly.